Restrictions

• OEM licenses can be used only for the software provided on the computer when it is purchased. The license cannot legally be transferred to another computer and must be disposed of with the computer.
  
  

Pros and Cons

• OEM licenses are cheaper than other software licenses, and technical support is available from the manufacturer, if necessary. But these licenses are impractical for a larger network with different computers using different software or different editions of that software. Applications, performance, troubleshooting, and upgrades will be more time-consuming and problematic.
  
  

Other Licenses

• A retail license means that a consumer owns the software regardless of what happens to the computer. Retail licenses cost much more than OEM licenses. Then there are volume licensing programs that are typically purchased for an office with 5 to more than 250 computers. Such programs differ in features and services.